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VOTE!

It comes down to this: in order to have a real stake in politics and government, each of us must exercise our right to vote. But, every Election Day, tens of thousands of eligible Suffolk voters stay home. By not voting, they give away their power and let others choose who will govern.

The Suffolk County Democratic Committee urges all who are eligible to register with the Board of Elections - and then, to be sure to go out and vote on Election Day. Just think: if all politics is local, then you can be sure that your vote affects politics and government at every level in Suffolk County.

To be legally eligible to vote, you must be an American citizen, a resident of Suffolk and 18 years of age or older. If you're registered, VOTE!

If you are eligible and you are not registered, REGISTER TO VOTE!

If you will be out of town or if you serve in the military and will not be able to vote in person on Election Day, ASK FOR AN ABSENTEE OR MILITARY BALLOT AND VOTE!

If you have a family member that is not registered, give them a registration form. ENCOURAGE THEM TO REGISTER AND VOTE!

Frequently Asked Questions

I just turned 18 and I want to register to vote. What must I do?

Download a voter registration form from this web site, or get a form by calling your Town Democratic Party Headquarters, the Suffolk County Democratic Committee at (631) 439-0400 or the Board of Elections at (631) 852-4500. You may also get forms from your post office, library, Department of Motor Vehicle office, Town or Village hall.

What's the difference between "registering" and "enrolling" to vote?

In order to vote, State law requires that Suffolk residents register with the County Board of Elections. The registration form has a space for you to choose one of the recognized political parties and enroll as a member, if you wish. We certainly hope you enroll as a Democrat, because then you will be allowed to participate in primary elections of Democrats and sign designating petitions to get candidates on the ballot. Of course, you may choose not to enroll in a political party, forfeiting your right to choose candidates in primary races.

I want to change my party designation to Democrat, although I've been a Republican for years.

Great news! Just download a registration form or get one from the places mentioned above. Change your enrollment in the space provided on the form. Mail it to the Suffolk Board of Elections, Yaphank Avenue, Yaphank, NY ll780. And welcome to the Democratic Way!

I'm an enrolled Democrat and I want to vote, but I just moved to a new neighborhood in the same town. May I still vote at my old polling place?

No. Download a voter registration form and fill in the change of address section. Mail it to the County Board of Elections.

I intend to be out of the county on the day of an election (on vacation, at school, traveling for business or in the hospital, for example). How can I vote?

Call the Board of Elections at (631) 852-4500 and ask for an Absentee Ballot Application form.

I'm enrolled in the Independence (or Green or Working Families or Republican or other) Party. Is it legal for me to vote in Democratic Primary elections?

No. You may vote in primaries only in the party in which you are enrolled.

What's an Election District?

Each of Suffolk's ten towns is divided up into small geographical areas called Election Districts. Each of these districts has two Democratic committeepersons who are responsible for circulating nominating petitions, registering new voters, answering voters' questions and getting out the vote on Election Day. Your town also has Assembly Districts (larger areas from which our Assembly representatives are elected), New York State Senate Districts, Congressional Districts. The higher the office, the larger the district. The Election District is included in all of the larger districts.

Voter Registration Forms

Click on the links below to download voter registrations forms in English or Spanish. Follow the instructions or call us at (631) 439-0400 or the Board of Elections at (631) 852-4500. You may also get forms from your post office, library, Department of Motor Vehicle office, Town or Village hall. We'll hope to see you at the polls on Election Day!